Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-07-06

Martha's kindness of heart prevented he
J from again referring to the past. l closet
nv heart forever. The world will neve
! know me as a disappointed woman,
! thought, flattering myself that I had quit
succeeded in deceiving humanity in gener
al, until the gossip had come upon me Will
her idle words, bringing to life the bite
past that thought had buried years ago
"Going to service, Miss Kenwood9''
i 1t was my neighbor that asked me tina
question, Marcia Hall. A dear little cir
with the utmost faith in mankind in gen
eral. I smiled family as caught sight o
the new bonnet with its dainty ribbons; evi
IDENTIFY gotten up from the new curate.
"Young and foolish" thought l. 'sWai
until she's six-and- twenty, and I'll wager
she will not buy new bonnet for all thu
new curates in town."
Slowly we walked to church ON thai
bright Sabbath morning, Marcia chatting
gayly, and /, dressed in the plainest O
dresses, walking silently beside her.
had not fully recovered from Mrs.
Briggs unkind remarks, and was deter.
mined to show her my disinclination te
ing in an exceedingly unbecoming gown.
glimpse in the mirror, to find that not.with.
standing my plain. toilet and my six-and-
twenty years, was still pretty woman,
and to hear my mother say as stopped to
kiss her, elbow we'll you're looking, Mat
! tie!''
How crowded the little village church
was-fill ed to overfowing. Every one was
there. even that hateful Mrs. Briggs.
caught glimpse of the great poke bonnet
as walked quickly to my seat.
| They were singing as we entered, yet
scarcely heard them, feeling rather embar-
rassed at coming late to be gazed at by the
entire congregation.
sank YEARLY among the soft cushions,
gladly taking refuge behind huge palm
leaf fan kindly protfered by portly old
gentleman beside me.
Now a hush, Slight flutter among the
congregation, rustic of garments, with
now and then subdued whisper as the
pulpit was rolled close to the chancel, and
the new curate ascended.
.'He's just loyelyp' whispered Marcia,
pulling softly at my sleeve. "Do look at
him, Miss Kenwood."
l kept my eyes downcast. If every wo.
man in the congregation cast glances of ad-
miration, I was determined to do other
wise.
Gam my brothers. keeper?" was the
text. Clear and distinct came the words Of
the speaker The first words had caused
my heart to beat wildly. How like the
voice of long ago, that rich, soft voice that
had pleaded for my love! listened like
one in dream, until I raised my eyes to
see before me-Robert Preston.
Yes, Robert Preston. Changed to be
sure-not the bright, boyish face Of long
tago. There were lines Of care and suffer
ing on it now, while the dark hair was
streaked with silver.
! Was Kathleen dead? wondered. Had
he given up his practice? Was he happy?
| Fifty different queries crowded upon my
memory. Why had fate thrown Us once
more together after my bitter struggle to
forget? One thing was determined upon;
| must leave the village. Idared not trust
myself further. Reason as l would, my
heart told me that loved him still.
1t was all over could hear the whis-
pered comments of the worshippers on the
eloquence of the new curate. The singers
were chanting in that nasal, drawing tone
so natural to village choirs, and still l sat
dreaming.
care you coming?' asked my companion;
then, as l arose mechanically to obey,
''Don't you like him, Miss Kenwood? Do
| tell me! You listened attentively, and once,
as 1 looked at you, | thought you were go
| ing to faint away, you looked so pale. Are
you ill?''
eyes, like him." I added aloud, while
my heart whispered, Good pity ME, love
himv'
We were out once more in the bright sun
shine, coming quite Unexpectedly upon
| little group, composed Of the wealthier
members of the congregation gathered
around the new curate. They had learned
he was man of wealth and standing, ,choos-
| ing his calling simply as a matter of taste.
Some one-I think it was the pastors wife
| presented me to him. Our eyes met; our
hands touched-as, resting those serious
eyes upon me, he said,-
81 have lad the pleasure of meeting Miss
Kenwood before"
1 cannot tell you how it happened that
we were all walking out through the church
yard toward the highway, and found my
self alone with Robert. He was the first to
break the silence. 1t panied me to think
it was commonplace remark.
| 'fHow is Kathleen" I asked, endeavor-
ing to show him how little I cared for the
past, and how, without betraying the slight
est emotion, could inquire after his wife 8
health.
s'Kathleen? He looked rather dazed at
the question. 81 believe she is well, but
not happy, poor girll'
He believed she was well. How strange!
Had he grown weary of her as of meo Was
he utterly devoid of honor?
"Not happy" l said, as l toyed ner-
vously with the roses in my bodice. 'sShe
should be very happy as-as-your wife, "
/ faltered.
Gas my wife?" he said, gazing in blank
amazement. s'Did you Oh, Matte, you
have judged me wrongly! never married
Kathleen"
| He looked like man upon whom a sud-
den truth had dawned, or one accused of a
great wrong who was able to prove his in
nocence.
1t was in the twilight before service that
he told me ALL The notice concerning
Robert Preston and wife referred to his
cousin. He had entered the ministry from
choice, as he had come into large fortune
through the death of an uncle. True, he
admired Kathleen as a man would admire
a beautiful woman, but never entertained
the slightest feeling of love for her.
The scene in the orchard was but SIM
pie ruse gotten up by Robert and Kathleen
to excite my jealousy, little dreaming OF
the serious result:
| Kathleen made most unfortunate match,
like most beautiful women, making poor
selection from her many suitors. Poor girl,
4 what dear, kind letter she sent to us,
telling how happy she was to hear we were
reunited.
'Just to think Of .it!'' said Mrs. Briggs.
s'He came back to her after the other girl
had given him the mitten. I wouldn't
taka him Would vnn9',
We can afford to laugh at her idle gossip,
we are SO happy, Robert and l. | smile
proudly to think that without "setting my
cap" I have captured the new curate after
all Woverly Magazine.
| What max es the breath so fragrant. pure?
What makes the rosy gums endure?
What makes the teeth so pearly white?